Friends of Third Avenue United: Stantec 3D Imaging Complete

These are some of the amazing images generated by Stantec's 3D laser scan of the building. The scan is so detailed users could zoom-in to examine a penny which may have been left on the floor during the scan. This data will be used as historic documentation of the building and it can be used by future owners to plan modifications to the stage, bathrooms, or other areas. In the coming month we will install it in Google's 3D warehouse so that international users of Google Earth can also explore one of Saskatoon's greatest buildings.

Interesting Facts

The massive hand painted stained glass windows are 8.2 meters wide at the base and 6.7 at the top. They are considered among the largest art installations in the province.

It would cost approximately $39 million to recreate the Church's stonework at today's market rate of $185 per square foot.

The church is based on an English Gothic design of solid stone construction. In 1913 it was described as "one of the most architecturally beautiful edifices in Canada".

Nearby Knox United church has already been heritage designated.

Third Avenue Church has the largest sanctuary (open space) of any United Church on the prairies and the third largest in the country.

A realtor offered the congregation $1.5 million for the church, justifying the low price by the high cost of demolition.

A copper time capsule is buried in the cornerstone of the church, which was laid by the city of Saskatoon's first mayor, James Clinkskill, and by Walter Murray, the first U of S president. Dr. Murray is quoted as calling the building “The first permanent home of religion in Saskatoon.”

Musicians insist the building has the best acoustics in Saskatoon. Renowned international pianist Jan Lisiecki said the acoustics in the church were better than the Salle Pleyel in Paris.

1100 people were seated at the last Jan Lisiecki concert.

U of S convocation ceremonies were held at Third Avenue United Church from 1931 to 1949.

The Church is already on the Holding Bylaw, which allows City Council to delay a demolition order for up to 60 days.

In the 1920's CFQC provided live broadcasts from the church, including organ recitals.

The large Casavant pipe organ cost $10,000 in 1912 and is in great condition today.

Originally the building was lit by hammered brass chandeliers, or "electroliers" as they were called by ThePhoenix, due to the novelty of electric lighting at the time.

The base and foundation are made of native limestone, processed within five miles of the city. Both appear to be in good condition. The stonework exterior walls are softly tinted buff Tyndall stone shipped from Winnipeg.

5 Ways You Can Help

1. Come enjoy the performances, and bring lots of friends. Click here for event listings.Email this website to everyone in your contact list who might be interested.

2. Donate money to Third Avenue Centre. Cheques should be written to "Third Avenue Centre" and should be mailed to their attention at the Third Avenue United Church, 304 3rd Avenue North.

3. If you know anyone who might need to book space in the Church for a performance or event please ask them to contact Third Avenue Centre for rates.

4. Help us find partners who can contribute to Concert Hall revenue as long term future users of the performance space.

5. Share this site on Facebook by clicking at top left of this page.

Friends of Third Avenue United

Stantec 3D Imaging Complete

Stained Glass

Followers

Unique Ceiling